[NLRS] Suggestion on netbook-ish PC

[James Froemke]

I’ve also been using the MS Surface with an external display. 
The Surface Pro 7+ with an i5 and 8GB Ram works well but not the Pro 7. 
Also the Surface Pro 8 with an i7 and 16 GB works well but may be overkill. All were reconditioned units. 
Internal heat buildup is an ongoing issue with these. I needed an external cooling fan mounted on a desktop tablet holder for outside environments. The battery/power control allows you to back off to 50% for longer battery life and cooler operation while still performing satisfactory. 
There are mobile and portable tablet mounts available that work well with the 13” units. 

My software suite consists of Windows -10, TrendMicro, SmartSDR for Windows, WSJT-X, and N3 FJP logger. PSKreporter when internet is available. 
No, I don’t plan on upgrading to W-11 for these applications. 

Power is via the MS power connector with AC or USB-C power in the field. 

Good luck. 
73, Jim, K0MHC

> On Jun 20, 2025, at 11:34 AM, scsueepe at mtcnet.net wrote:
> 
> 
> Jon, I use a Microsoft surface, with removable keyboard, touchscreen - been bullet proof.  Need to be sure that it has intel processor (and 16G ram), as the Microsoft processer (non intel) I don’t think works for some programs.  I don’t know the voltage… it does have a power cube that shows multiple voltages, 1.5, 5v, 15V… with a magnet 6 pin power connector.. so I’m guessing 3 for the hots and 3 independent grounds?  Weird..
>  
> I use an I7 version, never had an issue running software – WSJT and logging.  Screen is small, but expandable with a small USB C screen or two, that works great.  Removable keyboard is great (magnetic) so can use as a tablet or a laptop.
>  
> 73 and GL
>  
> KM0T
>  
> From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net <nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Jon Platt via NLRS
> Sent: Friday, June 20, 2025 11:06 AM
> To: NRLS Reflector <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [NLRS] Suggestion on netbook-ish PC
>  
> I have a question for the PC brain trust.  
>  
> I may be in the market for a low cost netbook/laptop that would support the following operating style.  When mobile/roving, 
> I running WSJT-x for FT8/MSK etc,   Also run N1MM software for contest logging (VHF or HF).  
> I live in a 12vdc World, its needs to be 12 vdc, no converters please.
> Needs to be smallish in size as my Subaru radio shack cockpit is small.  Think what it would be like to sit in a small car while operating FT8, etc.  
> 
> I do not need a higher end laptop as I have one of those.    Suggestions?
>  
> 73, Jon
> W0ZQ
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